This Australian landmark, located 85km (53 miles) north east of Bundaberg, is accessed by plane from 5 places along the Queensland coast. All 5 can take you for a day trip or for a resort stay on the island. The main starting points are Hervey Bay and Bundaberg; flights leave three times daily from each and both airports can be accessed by car, rail and flights from Brisbane, the state capitol of Queensland. Flights are also available by request from Redcliffe in Brisbane, Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast and Coolangatta on the Gold Coast.
A fabulous eco-resort with lagoon side villas, bar and restaurant is situated on the island. They offer accommodation packages to suit most people.
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Lady Elliot Island is a 45 hectare coral cay which marks the southern most point of The Great Barrier Reef, the most famous landmark in Australia. In 1805 Beche de Mer (sea cucumbers) began to be harvested though officially the island wasn't discovered until 1816. Named by Captain Thomas Stuart after his vessel, Lady Elliot Island didn't open its doors to tourists until 1985. Located in the 'Green Zone', the highest classification of protection for a Marine National Park, the existing infrastructure was renovated into a sustainable practice eco resort in 2005.
With fantastic water clarity from being far offshore, a sparkling lagoon on the eastern side and postcard reefs right off the beach on the southern side Lady Elliot Island is an absolutely perfect place to snorkel and scuba dive. If your a nature lover it would be hard to beat this island anywhere in the world for diversity and accessibility. The flora and fauna of the reef is spectacular and only the beginning. With several species of sea birds nesting, manta rays all year round, humpback whales migrating past and Green and Loggerhead Turtles nesting on the island, there is always an awesome display of nature to behold.
This unpretentious eco-resort is one of the best places in the world to adventure into island life whilst seeing everything The Great Barrier Reef has to offer.
Expand Photo by Tim Sheerman-Chase
5 Things to Do at Lady Elliot Island
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